Happy 111th Birthday Aunt Marj! Formby’s Own Wonder Woman Turns 111 – Meet the Oldest Person in the North West!

Today, Formby celebrates a truly extraordinary milestone as Marjorie Hodnett Aylward — better known to all as Aunt Marj — turns 111 years old. She’s not only the oldest person in the North West, but also officially the ninth oldest in the entire UK. And she’s showing no signs of slowing down.

Born on April 1st, 1914, Aunt Marj has lived through two world wars, witnessed 27 prime ministers, and has stories stretching from the 1914 air raids to singing at the 1948 Olympic Games in London. Yet despite her remarkable age, Marj continues to embrace life with energy, elegance, and an unbeatable sense of humour.

Now a beloved resident at Formby Manor Care Centre, she is a true inspiration not only to her fellow residents and carers, but to everyone in the wider community. As she celebrates her 111th birthday today, we look back at her incredible journey — and how she’s proving that age really is no barrier to living life to the fullest.

Still Adventuring at 111 years old!

In just the past few weeks, Aunt Marj has done something many much younger people don’t — she’s gone on two exciting outings with bespoke elderly tour company Myley, who specialise in meaningful trips for care home residents.

Her first trip to Lady Green Garden Centre reignited her love of orchids, and she enjoyed it so much that she immediately booked another, this time to Dobbies, where she had her eye on a dark green and silver house plant for her room.

Myley’s Operations Director, Emily Wood, says: “We’ve taken out many amazing residents over the years, including 104-year-old twins — but Aunt Marj is the oldest person we’ve ever worked with. She keeps us on our toes! Always immaculately dressed and ready to go, she’s got a sharp wit, a sparkle in her eye, and a passion for life that’s infectious. She’s an absolute joy to be around.”

Her Rules for a Long, Happy Life.

So what’s the secret to 111 years of good health and happiness?

According to Aunt Marj, it’s about living simply, staying curious, and treating others with kindness. She’s never owned a mobile phone, keeps her mind sharp with word searches and quizzes, and enjoys a glass of sherry only on special occasions.

She lives by five powerful life rules:

“Do all the good that you can, by all the means that you can, in all the ways that you can, in all the places that you can, to all the people that you can, as long as ever you can.”

“Life is for living,” she says. “And it’s up to you to make the most of it.”

A Very Special Birthday Party

Formby Manor has pulled out all the stops to give Aunt Marj the birthday celebration she deserves today.

She’ll be surrounded by family, friends, fellow residents, and staff, enjoying an afternoon high tea complete with her favourite: cold meats, cheese and pickles, cucumber sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a homemade Madeira cake lovingly baked by the centre’s head chef.

Entertainment will be provided by singing duo Maggie and Mandy, and children from Freshfield Primary School Year 6 will perform “Happy Birthday” for her. Afterwards, she’ll relax with a game of Heads Up and a well-earned sip of sherry.

She has already received birthday cards from schools and well-wishers across the North West, along with a special message from King Charles III, adding to the four birthday cards she received from Queen Elizabeth II in earlier years.

A Life Full of Love and Legacy

Marjorie’s story is rich with personal achievements and historical moments. She was twice widowed by the age of 45 and never had children of her own, but she is a great-great aunt, deeply cherished by her extended family and community. She moved to Formby in 2020 to be closer to loved ones — and she’s made Formby Manor her home in every sense.

She still paints (including portraits of King Charles III), knits, writes poetry, and cheers on her beloved Arsenal and England Rugby team.

Nikki Foster, Home Manager at Formby Manor, says:

“Aunt Marj really is one of a kind. Her energy, wisdom and outlook on life inspire everyone who meets her. We are beyond privileged to have her as part of our Formby Manor family, and celebrating her 111th birthday with her is an honour none of us will forget.”

Happy Birthday, Aunt Marj!

You are a treasure in our community, a beacon of joy and resilience, and a shining example that a full and beautiful life knows no age limit.

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